In 2023 we will be reviving HB 69 to ensure that our most under-resourced communities in Delaware have access to clean water. Last year, this bill was approved by the House Health & Human Resources Committee but never saw the full House floor due to the desk drawer veto. This year we have even more support, from the public and legislators and look forward to seeing its discussion in Committee and on the House floor.
The bill is simple, individuals that qualify for State water filtration grants shall meet two criteria:
1. Income is not greater than 200% of the federal poverty guidelines
2. Water contamination is above the Maximum Contaminant Level Goal of the EPA
The Drinking Water State Revolving Fund will not require any tax increases. The fund already exists and is continually funded through the interest that municipalities pay on water infrastructure bonds. The fund is already earmarked for under-resourced communities for the purpose of creating clean water programs.